Mineral or Chemical? Choosing the Right Sunscreen

Physical Sunscreens vs Chemical Sunscreens

Sunscreen is an essential product for protecting your skin from sun damage that can lead to premature aging and skin cancer. But with so many options on the market, it can be confusing to know which type of sunscreen is right for you. The two main categories of sunscreen are physical and chemical. Understanding how they work and their unique benefits and drawbacks can help you make the right choice. The best way to find the perfect sunscreen is with your Baumann Skin Type, which you can find by taking the quiz for free today!

Why you need to use sunscreen

Sunscreen is your skin’s first line of defense against harmful solar radiation. Exposure to UV radiation from the sun causes damage to the skin over time in the form of sunburns, wrinkles, dark spots, or even skin cancer. Both UVA and UVB rays have risks. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, causing genetic damage that can lead to skin aging. UVB rays burn the surface of the skin, causing redness and irritation. For complete sun protection, you need broad spectrum coverage against both UVA and UVB.

Sunscreen is like a shield to deflect or absorb UV rays before they damage your skin. Physical and chemical sunscreens perform this function in different ways. This article will explain the key differences, so you can make an informed decision about the best sunscreen for your needs. We’ll also cover what “broad spectrum” means and how to pick an optimal sunscreen based on your skin type.

What are physical sunscreens?

Physical sunscreens, also known as mineral sunscreens, contain active ingredients like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and a few other common metals that sit on top of your skin to physically block UV radiation. They reflect and scatter the light away from your body.

Because the active ingredients in physical sunscreens don’t absorb easily into the skin, they offer immediate protection that lasts as long as the product remains on your skin. The downside is that they need to be washed off. They are less likely to irritate sensitive skin.

Here are some of my favorite physical sunscreens:

How do Physical Sunscreens Work?

The minerals zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in physical sunscreens work like tiny mirrors, deflecting UV light away from the skin. These thick and opaque minerals are too large to penetrate deeply into the skin, so they sit on the surface and act as a shield.

Physical sunscreen active ingredients remain stable when exposed to UV rays for longer than chemical sunscreen ingredients.

Benefits of physical sunscreen

Some of the benefits of physical sunscreens include:

Immediate UV protection that starts working as soon as applied

Stable in sunlight compared to chemical sunscreens

Less likely to irritate sensitive skin

Better for sensitive areas like around the eyes

Preferred for children’s delicate skin

Safe for pregnant women

Won’t break down over time and stop working quickly.

Lower risk of allergy

Safe for reefs

Safe for marine life

Organic forms are available

Shortcomings of Physical Sunscreens

While physical sunscreens have many advantages, they also come with a few drawbacks:

Can leave a colored film on the skin, especially in higher SPFs

More difficult to rub in completely

May be visible in hair and facial hair

May pile up when layered with other skin care products

Often not broad spectrum

What are Chemical Sunscreens?

Instead of sitting on top of the skin, chemical sunscreens are absorbed and work from within to protect your skin. Common active ingredients in chemical sunscreens include:

Avobenzone

Oxybenzone

Octisalate

Homosalate

Octocrylene

When applied, chemical UV fighting compounds penetrate the skin and absorb UV rays before they reach sensitive skin cells below the surface. The chemicals convert UV radiation into a small amount of heat that is released from the skin, allowing only a fraction of the rays to penetrate. In reality, most chemical sunscreens also contain mineral sunscreen ingredients for broader protection. Here are some of my favorite chemical sunscreens, some of which include mineral ingredients:

How do chemical sunscreens work?

When chemical sunscreen ingredients absorb UV light, the energy causes chemical bonds within the molecules to rearrange. These chemical reactions cause the sunscreens to quickly convert UV rays into safer radiation in the form of infrared light, or heat.

The energized chemicals release the excess energy as heat. This cycle repeats millions of times per second to continually protect the skin from damaging UV exposure.

Since the chemical components of sunscreen are activated and oxidized, chemical sunscreens need to be re-applied every couple of hours. Chemical sunscreens, like physical sunscreens, should be washed off at the end of the day.

Benefits of chemical sunscreens

Benefits of Chemical Sunscreens

There ae many types of chemical sunscreens and the benefits and risks depend upon the chemical sunscreen that is used.

Some advantages of chemical sunscreens include:

They absorb quickly into the skin without leaving color behind

More lightweight and less greasy

Easier to rub in completely

Less visible on the skin

May be water resistant

Often affordable and widely available

May have better UVA coverage

May be broad spectrum

Shortcomings of Chemical Sunscreens

Some potential downsides of chemical sunscreens to consider:

They can irritate sensitive skin more often

Absorption into bloodstream is possible in some ingredients

May cause allergic reactions in those with sensitivities

Some chemical compounds are not stable in long-term sunlight

Require time after application to bind to skin before fully effective

Can degrade in heat and sunlight over time

Some chemicals may interact with hormones

Often oily or greasy

May hurt reefs or marine life

Physical Sunscreens vs Chemical Sunscreens

Let’s recap the differences we discussed regarding physical sunscreens vs chemical sunscreens:

Physical sunscreens reflect UV rays, while chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays before they can damage skin cells.

Physical acts as a shield sitting on the surface while chemical sunscreens penetrate into the skin to convert light energy into heat.

Physical sunscreens offer immediate protection while chemical sunscreens require 20-30 minutes after application to fully take effect.

Physical sunscreens may provide broad spectrum coverage with a limited set of active ingredients while chemical sunscreens need a mix of several chemicals to protect against the full UV spectrum.

Physical sunscreens often leave a tint on the skin while chemical sunscreens sink more thoroughly into the skin.

Physical sunscreens rarely cause irritation or allergies while chemical sunscreens have a higher risk of allergic reaction and interactions.

What Does Broad Spectrum Mean?

Broad spectrum on a sunscreen label means it provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Here’s a breakdown:

UVA rays have longer wavelengths that penetrate deep into the dermis layer of the skin. UVA exposure causes skin aging, wrinkles, and dark spots.

UVB rays have shorter wavelengths that burn the outer layer of the epidermis. UVB exposure causes sunburns and DNA damage that can lead to skin cancer.

Broad spectrum sunscreens contain active ingredients to filter both UVA and UVB light. For complete protection, it’s key to choose a formula with broad spectrum coverage.

Here are some of my favorite broad spectrum sunscreens:

Which sunscreen is right for you?

There are benefits to both physical and chemical sunscreens. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing:

Skin type: Those with sensitive skin may prefer physical sunscreens that contain fewer potential irritants. Chemical sunscreens work well for oily skin types since they aren’t as occlusive.

Activity: For outdoor sports and water activities, a water resistant chemical sunscreen may hold up better. Physical options are preferable for the eyes and other sensitive areas.

Aesthetic: If you don’t want to worry about residual color ruining your makeup, chemical sunscreens provide more invisible protection.

Ingredients: Avoid chemical sunscreens if you have skin allergies or prefer more natural products. Check chemical filters if you’re concerned about hormone disruption.

The best sunscreen is one you’ll use consistently. Look for a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher formula suited for your skin type and needs. Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors. Protecting your skin should be a priority.

Here are some of our most popular sunscreens:

Closing thoughts

Both physical and chemical sunscreens have their strengths. The most important thing is choosing a broad spectrum formula with an SPF of at least 30 that you will wear daily. Get familiar with the active ingredients and find out if you have any sensitivities. Finding the right sunscreen for your skin will provide essential protection from UV damage for healthier, younger-looking skin over your lifetime.

Want to discover the perfect sunscreen for you? Take our Baumann Skin Type quiz today to receive skin care product recommendations tailored for your skin’s unique needs. Once you’ve done that, check out our complete collection of sunscreens here!

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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